Lexical Summary gnómé: Opinion, judgment, purpose, intention, consent Original Word: γνώμη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance advice, judgment, mind, purpose, will. From ginosko; cognition, i.e. (subjectively) opinion, or (objectively) resolve (counsel, consent, etc.) -- advice, + agree, judgment, mind, purpose, will. see GREEK ginosko HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1106 gnṓmē (a feminine noun, apparently derived from 1097 /ginṓskō, "experientially, personally know") – a personal opinion or judgment formed in (by) an active relationship, the result of direct ("first-hand") knowledge. See 1097 (ginōskō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ginóskó Definition purpose, opinion, consent, decision NASB Translation consent (1), decided* (1), judgment (1), opinion (3), purpose (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1106: γνώμηγνώμη, γνώμης, ἡ (from γινώσκω); 1. the faculty of knowing, mind, reason. 2. that which is thought or known, one's mind; a. view, judgment, opinion: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Revelation 17:13. b. mind concerning what ought to be done, aa. by oneself, resolve, purpose, intention: ἐγένετο γνώμη (T Tr WH γνώμης, see γίνομαι 5 e. a.) τοῦ ὑποστρέφειν, Acts 20:3 (Buttmann, 268 (230)). bb. by others, judgment, advice: διδόναι γνώμην, 1 Corinthians 7:25 (40); 2 Corinthians 8:10. cc. decree: Revelation 17:17; χωρίς τῆς σής γνώμης, without thy consent, Philemon 1:14. (In the same senses in Greek writings; (cf. Schmidt, chapter 13, 9; Meyer on 1 Corinthians 1:10).) Strong’s Greek 1106 (gnōmē) designates a deliberate judgment that issues in a settled purpose. It is not a passing thought but a reasoned conclusion, a “mind made up.” In application it may describe personal counsel (opinion), collective resolve (unanimous purpose), or formal consent (authorized approval). Old Testament Background and Septuagint Echoes Though rare in the Septuagint, cognate ideas surface in passages where elders “gave counsel” or nations “set their heart” to act (for example, Isaiah 36:5; Daniel 6:4 LXX). Behind the word lies the Hebrew concept of יְעָצָה (counsel) joined with לֵב/לֵבָב (heart)—wisdom that moves the will. This backdrop helps explain why the New Testament employs gnōmē for both human and divine determinations. New Testament Occurrences and Contexts 1 Corinthians 1:10 — Paul pleads that the church be “united in mind and conviction,” urging a shared gnōmē that heals division. 1 Corinthians 7:25, 40 — Where no explicit command exists, the apostle supplies “a judgment” shaped by mercy and the Spirit, illustrating how godly leaders form responsible opinions without adding new law. 2 Corinthians 8:10 — Paul’s “advice” on completing the relief offering shows gnōmē as pastoral counsel that spurs willing generosity rather than coercion. Acts 20:3 — The “plot” of hostile Jews shows gnōmē can describe evil intent; will and purpose are morally defined by their object. Philemon 14 — Paul withholds action “without your consent,” honoring personal agency and demonstrating that true goodness must be voluntary. Revelation 17:13, 17 — Earthly kings possess “one purpose” and even their unified resolve is ultimately overruled: “God has put it into their hearts to carry out His purpose.” Gnōmē thus spans from human conspiracy to the over-arching decree of God. Theological Significance Unity of Judgment: In the church, gnōmē underlines the call for corporate harmony grounded in truth (1 Corinthians 1:10). Unity is not mere unanimity but agreement shaped by revelation and love. Guided Liberty: Where Scripture gives no direct command, believers act according to sanctified gnōmē (1 Corinthians 7). Conscience is informed by apostolic wisdom yet remains free. Divine Sovereignty: Revelation 17 shows that even rebellious human plans fall within God’s larger counsel. The term therefore links creaturely decision to providence without collapsing either. Moral Responsibility: Acts 20:3 and Philemon 14 illustrate contrasting uses—malicious plotting versus respectful consent—highlighting that every gnōmē carries ethical weight before God. Pastoral and Practical Application • Decision-Making: Christians are to cultivate informed, prayerful judgment rather than impulsive reactions. Historical Witness Early writers (e.g., Clement of Rome, Ignatius) echoed Paul’s call for unity of gnōmē as essential to the church’s witness amid persecution. Synodical decisions in the Patristic era likewise pursued “one mind and one purpose,” reflecting Acts 15’s precedent of collective discernment. Inter-textual Connections Gnōmē resonates with terms such as phronēma (mindset) and boulē (counsel) yet retains its nuance of personal or corporate verdict. It bridges intellectual assent and volitional commitment, embodying the biblical integration of mind, heart, and will. Summary Strong’s 1106 portrays the thoughtful resolve that steers both individuals and communities. Scripture calls believers to possess a gnōmē shaped by apostolic teaching, empowered by the Spirit, and ultimately aligned with the redemptive purpose of God that prevails over every human design. Englishman's Concordance Acts 20:3 N-GFSGRK: Συρίαν ἐγένετο γνώμης τοῦ ὑποστρέφειν INT: Syria arose a purpose to return 1 Corinthians 1:10 N-DFS 1 Corinthians 7:25 N-AFS 1 Corinthians 7:40 N-AFS 2 Corinthians 8:10 N-AFS Philemon 1:14 N-GFS Revelation 17:13 N-AFS Revelation 17:17 N-AFS Revelation 17:17 N-AFS Strong's Greek 1106 |
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